These include the establishment of a free trade zone and laboratories for scientific research, according to former Rep. William S. Torres, consultant for the upcoming first Northern Islands Development Summit.
“Scientific research is a definite redevelopment agenda,” Torres said, adding there’s abundant thermal energy in the commonwealth’s northernmost islands.
The summit will discuss the resettlement and economic redevelopment opportunities of the CNMI’s northern frontier.
Northern Islands Mayor Tobias Aldan is the main proponent of the summit.
Torres said the working committee preparing for the summit will focus on “redevelopment” since the Northern Islands used to be developed.
“The Northern Islands were once a very prosperous area and a lot of people lived there,” he said.
The members of the working group are Aldan, businessman Jess Wabol, Jack Ogumoro of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the governor’s office represented by Press Secretary Angel Demapan, Manny Rabauliman and Patricia Rasa of the Department of Public Lands and architect Herman Cabrera.
Torres said development will happen once again on the Northern Islands.
“If our ancestor made it happen, we can also make it happen,” he added.
The Northern Islands are the only places in CNMI with hot spring and black sand, he said.
Cabrera noted the islands’ eco-tourism potentials.
“We can make a paradise island up there,” he said.
Ogumoro said reliable transportation will be needed.
The summit will discuss communication needs, land use planning, school and health provisions, the establishment of port facilities, seismology, short- and long-term evacuation plan and alternative energy resources for the islands, he added.
He said discussions on the economic development will focus on military training opportunities, mining, fishing, farming, scientific research facilities, the Marine Monument, long-term lease options, and a free trade zone public land designation.
Rabauliman said DPL is now working on the land use plan and homestead parceling for the islands, most of whose former residents now live and work on Saipan.
Torres said officials and community members from Tinian and Rota should also attend the summit to share their views.
